The Teifi is of one of the longest rivers found
entirely in Wales. Its source is from the Teifi pools high up on a plateau of
barren moorland known as the Elenydd. It is one of the finest areas of
high-lying wild grasslands left in Britain, especially so for Wales as parts
have escaped the ravages of the forestry people. Ravens, buzzards and kites may
be found, in addition to the various rare bog plants. Theoretically, it should
be possible to paddle the whole river from source to sea, though I haven't done
this.

It is a delightful river, excellent for touring
in Canadian canoes and kayaks alike, with some sections great for play-boating.
It is also one of Wales' finest salmon rivers and, as such, is best avoided in
fishing season unless prior arrangements have been made. Saying this, there is a
long tidal section finishing in Cardigan, which really shouldn’t cause many
confrontations.

Afon Teifi:
Pont Gogoyan to Lampeter

14 km grade I to II

Drive out of Lampeter on the A482, before
turning off left on the B4343. Just before the quaint village of Llanddewi Brefi
there is a sharp left hand turn that crosses the river at Pont Gogoyan. Access
can be made just downstream of the bridges on river right
SN643544.

The section down to Lampeter is a beautiful
touring stretch with nothing harder than a few easy grade I or II rapids. Egress
at SN581476 onto the main A482, via a public footpath, where the river sweeps next to the
road just before town. The King's Head pub in town serves some of the best bar
meals in West Wales.

Afon Teifi:
Lampeter to Maesycrugiau

17 km grade I

I haven’t done this section, but have had it
described as a fine grade I touring stretch. However, it is important to note
the one grade III at the egress/access point to the next section.

Afon Teifi:
Maesycrugiau to Newcastle Emlyn

25 km II to III (one III to IV); one weir -
portage

Maesycrugiau can be reached from either the A475
or A485, but either route will probably require a road map to help. It is
possible to park up in the village near the inn without causing too much
disturbance to the villagers but this is not a good spot for mini-buses! There
is a small church room nearer the bridge than the pub, but it would be impolite
to park here without first asking. After walking down the road to the bridge a
footpath can be seen bearing off right, which allows access above or below a
grade III fall SN473411. This is Maesycrugiau Falls, a one-hit wonder which
becomes easier in higher water.

From here to Llandysul
the river weaves and meanders, with the occasional good surfing wave. In town
the river picks up to give just under one kilometre of grade II to III water.
This is better in low to medium flows and the last drop known, amongst other
things, as the Cauldron, can become quite tricky. In higher water the section
becomes somewhat washed out. Just by the bridge is Llandysul Canoe Club and
Activity Centre.

About four kilometres below town the river
passes under a railway bridge. A 100 metres further on is a right hand,
left-hand swing of the river passing under the road bridge at Pont Allt y Cafen,
SN386392. The weir immediately below the bridge is dangerous at medium to high
flows, and has unfortunately already caused the death of a popular South Wales
canoeist. It is best portaged on the right just before, or with great care, just
after the bridge. The rapids below the bridge are excellent surfing territory,
which are far better fun than this vicious weir above.

Some three kilometres further on are the classic
grade III(+) Henllan Falls. It is as well to be aware of trees here, as I have
seen one, in particular, cut and chained to maintain its position blocking off
much of the rapid! There are one or two unfriendly people hereabouts!

The river eases off apart from the odd good
surfing wave on its way down to the egress point. Get out a 100 metres or so
above the Newcastle Emlyn salmon ladders into the convenient car park on river
right. This is by the rugby grounds SN313409.

Afon Teifi:
Newcastle Emlyn to Cardigan

23 km II, one fall IV to V

A few hundred metres along the A475 from
Newcastle Emlyn is a small turn off into a car park serving the local rugby
grounds and playing fields. This offers excellent access onto the river at the
above grid reference point. Just below are the Newcastle Emlyn salmon ladders.
Awesome in major flood, they are usually safer to run on the right. The stoppers
can be great fun for playing in or being played with. However, this needs to be
assessed on the day. The chicken shoot far right offers an alternative line.
From here on down to the main road bridge are some excellent surfing waves.

From here to Cenarth the river is flat. Cenarth
Falls, an inspiration to many artists, is reached. They can be heard roaring and
a rumbling a little way upstream. Many clubs come here, just to run the falls at
medium to low water levels. Although reputedly runnable at any level, at certain
flows the stopper on the main left-hand route looks decidedly unpleasant. A
chicken shoot is available far right but choose your line carefully as, in
places, the water falls into a V-shaped ledge. Some may wish to end the run
here, and there are excellent egress amenities.

The section below is effectively flat but
fast-moving and is particularly suited to families or those wanting a lazy
afternoon paddle. Below Llechryd, the river enters a solemn gorge. This almost
feels prehistoric as you wait for the rumble of mighty cataracts around the next
bend. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending upon your viewpoint, these never
come. Cilgerran Castle sits rather moodily on the left-hand bank as you drift
by. This is well worth visiting with the children later on.

Below the old bridge in the picturesque town of
Cardigan is a council pay-and-display car park that provides an admirable egress
on the true right hand bank SN176460.